Saturday, May 17, 2008

"Welfare reform won't truly be considered a success until Big Business is told it will have to upgrade its skills, go into the marketplace and compete on its own merits."-- Rod Watson, "end Corporate Welfare to Achieve True Reform," Buffalo News (July 6, 2000)

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

This is for the nobodyThe one in the crowd who's got aLost look on his faceThis is for the down-troddenThe one that the worlds forgottenWaitin' on a better dayWell I'm in no position to judge 'emHeaven knows they're just like meAnd I'm not aloneIn knowing what it's likeTo wonder where you're going in this crazy lifeAnd I'm not alone, knowing how it feelsTo pray to God and sometimes wonder if he's real'Cause I got friends that doYeah I got friends that do

This is for the lost junkieWho spends all his hard earned money on something he hatesAnd this is for the found guiltyWho ain't getting out until he pays his debt to the stateI'm in no position to judge 'emHeaven knows it could have been meAnd I may not know what it's likeTo lose your job 'cause a habits got you gripped too tightAnd I may not know how it feelsTo lay your head down on a prison bed in a world of steelBut I got friends that doYeah, I got friends that do

This is for yours trulyJust a little verse to remind meWe all got somewhere to turnAnd I may not know what its likeTo send my only son to save the world and watch him dieAnd I may not know how it feelsTo hang there on the cross to prove that love is realBut I got friends that doYeah I got friends that doYeah I got friends that doYou know we all got friends that do

Thursday, May 08, 2008

I've watched the Presidential race. I've heard the media and talking heads discuss the issue of race and racism. Many that I've seen have said that our country has made huge progress. Some have even said that race is not a factor in the Presidential election. I'm afraid the idea that we've made progress is a lie.

Tonight I heard that there are people that have stated if Obama is the Democratic nominee that they would not vote for him. Why? Not because of his stance on health care, the war or any other issue. The reason is the color of his skin. To even think someone would have enough guts to admit this is in itself a scary thought.

Racism is alive and we shouldn't be surprised.

Let's be clear - if you will not vote for Barack Obama because he is an African American (because of the color of his skin), you are a racist!My question to those racists is "What are you afraid of?"

This year has been a great year for people to get involved in politics. Back in 2004 I became actively involved. There are no books to read giving you tips and tricks at this game called politics, so for the new folks I would like to share lessons I have learned over the past 4 years. I am in no way an expert, I am still being taught lessons (as recently as last weekend). But I think if I can help anyone whose interested in being involved - it will be all worth it.

Rule #1: People in Politics are Political (3P)

This is a no brainier (right?). Everyone has a reason their involved and some have an agenda. The moment you loose sight of rule #1 is the moment you'll be rudely awoken to its reality. I forget this rule quite a lot and pay the price. But you live and learn. This rule isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just something to be aware of. Most people will let you know what their agenda is, if they don't ask them "why are you involved in politics?", "What made you want to serve on the board?", etc. The people you need to keep an eye on are those without an answer (or without a good answer - believable) to this question. These individuals may have a hidden agenda.

Action Tips:1. Be positive.2. Avoid those that are consistently negative.3. Stay out of cliques.4. Be open minded.5. Be open and honest.6. When you forget rule #1 and get taken by surprise - dust yourself off and chalk it up as a lesson learned.

Rule #2: Sometimes those with power are controlling.

You may run into individuals or groups of people serving on boards, committees, commissions or other outlets who try to control everything. Most times you will easily be able to tell who these people are. I haven't yet seen any good come from this tactic. Even when it looks like it's a good thing, it impedes democracy. For the individuals or groups that do this, it makes life hard for themselves and everyone else around them (you included). Now I have to admit that at one point I was a little controlling myself, but I learned from it. It is not a good thing for anyone. You do have the ability to block some of the power these individuals or groups have.

Action Tips:1. Learn Robert's Rules. Most boards and political bodies are governed by Robert's Rules of Order. The more you know about these rules, the more power you will have to combat those controlling things.2. Build coalitions.3. Voice any opposition you have clearly, calmly and respectfully. This is important. People will generally be more open to you if you present yourself in this manner.4. Get assistance and/or guidance from individuals outside of your particular group, board, etc.

Rule #3: Don't quit!

You are involved for a reason! Don't let anyone discourage you enough to make you quit. If you're new and haven't been contacted by those above you - make some noise! Don't let people or situations EVER get to the point where it drives you out. The best thing you can do to combat a negative person or situation is OUTLAST it!!!! Now there are times when you should quit. But make sure you quit under your own terms (again don't let a person or situation force you out).

Action Tips:1. Don't quit.2. If you need assistance speak up and out.3. Don't let a person or situation drive you out.4. Stay true to the reason you're involved. If it was important enough to get involved initially, it should be important enough to see it through.5. If you need to quit (can't make it to meetings, personal problems, etc.) do so. But again do not quit over anybody or anything!!!

Rule #4: Have FUN!!!

Life is too short to be serious all of the time, so have FUN! Use the opportunity of being politically involved to make friends. The more fun you have the more positive people you'll attract.

Action Tips:1. Socialize!2. Show interest in others - ask people questions about themselves (people love talking about themselves).3. Hang around with positive people.4. Smile!5. Be inclusive - a party of one is no party.

Monday, May 05, 2008

One hand Reaches out And pulls a lost soul from harm While a thousand more go unspoken for They say what good have you done By saving just this one It's like whispering a prayer In the fury of a storm

And I hear them saying you'll never change things And no matter what you do it's still the same thing But it's not the world that I am changing I do this so this world will know That it will not change me

This heart Still believes The love and mercy still exist While all the hatred rage and so many say That love is all but pointless in madness such as this It's like trying to stop a fire With the moisture from a kiss

And I hear them saying you'll never change things And no matter what you do it's still the same thing But it's not the world that I am changing I do this so this world will know That it will not change me

As long as one heart still holds on Then hope is never really gone

I hear them saying you'll never change things And no matter what you do it's still the same thing But it's not the world that I am changing I do this so this world we know Never changes me